“We are neighbors and although sometimes we have differences, we must work together to find solutions to our common problems. Transportation, energy, economic growth, use of our forest and marine resources—these are all issues that require us to work together to find solutions,” Governor LePage told the participants. “Sessions such as this afternoon’s offer an important opportunity to assess where we are and identify ways to address these challenges.”
The Governor said that over the coming decade, about 20 percent of New England’s electricity generation could be going offline, which means that there will be a large energy gap to fill. Canada, and New Brunswick in particular, are well positioned to fill some of that gap. In turn, Maine can become a partner in transferring power from Canada to southern New England.
Prior to the event, Governor LePage and Premier Alward met privately to discuss collaboration on four key areas of concern to both entities: transportation, economic development, tourism and energy. They agreed that the regulatory process needs to be streamlined to help businesses grow.
Both the governor and the premier led recent trade missions to China. As a result of their experiences, they concurred that government needs to get out of the way so the private sector can capitalize on the growing Asian—and in particular, Chinese—markets.
The afternoon’s event featured discussions on business related topics of concern to both regions. Kenneth Fletcher, director of the Governor’s Energy Office, participated in a panel on energy issues.
Fletcher and Daniel Deveau, whom Governor LePage has appointed the Maine-Canada Trade Ombudsman, will speak to other ministers and deputy ministers of New Brunswick’s energy, economic development and agriculture agencies among others, on Friday, October 26.
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